The purpose of this chapter is to permit state and local governments in Iowa to make efficient use of their powers by enabling them to provide joint services and facilities with other agencies and to cooperate in other ways of mutual advantage. This chapter shall be liberally construed to that end.

28E.2. Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the term "public agency" shall mean any political subdivision of this state; any agency of the state government or of the United States; and any political subdivision of another state. The term "state" shall mean a state of the United States and the District of Columbia. The term "private agency" shall mean an individual and any form of business organization authorized under the laws of this or any other state.

28E.3. Joint exercise of powers

Any power or powers, privileges or authority exercised or capable of exercise by a public agency of this state may be exercised and enjoyed jointly with any other public agency of this state having such power or powers, privilege or authority, and jointly with any public agency of any other state or of the United States to the extent that laws of such other state or of the United States permit such joint exercise or enjoyment. Any agency of the state government when acting jointly with any public agency may exercise and enjoy all of the powers, privileges and authority conferred by this chapter upon a public agency.